Nyumbani Bukavu Theatre Inc

Grace & Strength

Where Resilience Takes the Stage 

A Sanctuary for storytelling, healing, and cultural pride

On the shores of Lake Kivu in Bukavu, Eastern Congo, a safe, meaningful space for believing, dreaming, and achieving is taking root-- this is the Nyumbani Bukavu Theatre, a Congolese-led sanctuary for storytelling and cultural restoration.  The theatre will be a place individuals and communities shattered by war and displacement are able to reclaim and regain their voices, dignity and strength of self-empowerment.   Here, Congolese helping Congolese will be the root and heart of creative work designed and delivered. 

Etienne’s Heart of Sharing: Grace & Hope Takes the Stage

Grace Ntibonera — young Congolese leader and champion of love and peace — is the visionary behind Nyumbani Bukavu Theatre. This is not merely a personal triumph; it is a call to action.  Founded by Grace in honor of his late father, Etienne Basirwii Chifizi — a courageous human rights advocate — this movement transforms personal struggle into collective hope across Africa.   In a world darkened by violence and division, Grace is showing that love can persist through darkness by creating something beautiful: a space for healing and cultural pride. 

Supporting Nyumbani is not about charity — it is about shared humanity; when we give, listen, and stand alongside Congolese artists, we declare that art and justice belong to everyone

Our Mission

To uplift spirits through art, and storytelling—building communities where compassion and creativity heal the wounds of poverty and war

This sanctuary will transform trauma into resilience. As Congolese people -- youth and artists  -- perform real stories of survival and rebirth—proof that creativity can rebuild communities broken by conflict will come to life.   Pain will become poetry, and stories will become strength.

Why Does this Matter --  There and Here

For those in the eastern Congo, decades of conflict have left deep emotional scars. Many young people have seen violence but have never been invited to share, heal or hope.  On the Nyumbani stage, they will find this opportunity.   Every play, poem, and performance is an act of reclamation — a way of saying:  "We are still here. Our stories matter. " 

Grace (center) and Construction Managers The mighty construction crew

When a community gathers to witness those stories, something sacred happens: healing becomes possible.

This has universal impact -- because connection is the antidote to despair.   Supporting Nyumbani is not about charity — it is about shared humanity.  When we give, listen, and stand alongside Congolese artists, we declare that art and justice belong to everyone.  We remind the world that peace is a shared project.

“Our futures are bound up together" 

Together, we are building a future where love is stronger than loss.

In 2026, the theatre will open as a beacon of healing, culture, and peace—a connecting and expansion point to link Congolese people with global diaspora through storytelling, performance, and service.

GIVING TUESDAY!!

How You Can Help

Three Ways to Lift Up Nyumbani Bukavu Theatre

GIVE Help us build the theatre & support arts healing.

 SHAEShare Our Story – Invite others

 JOINJoin our Newsletter – Stay connected to stories 

Together, we carry forward Etienne’s legacy—transforming compassion into action and art into change.

NYUMBANI BUKAVU THEATRE INC is registered as a 501C3 nonprofit in the state of Minnesota.   | Nyumbani Bukavu Theatre, Inc. – FEIN 33-3095872   

Contact Us:  erikthorsell@outlook.com🌐 | www.nyumbanitheatre.com📍 3805 Inglewood Ave S, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 |  📞 612-802-4669